Fiorentina s Kean clause creates frenzy: Premier League and Saudi interest

For Fiorentina fans, the period between today and July 15th will be nothing short of nail-biting. At midnight on July 15th, a £44 million (€52 million) release clause in Moise Kean's contract will expire. If he's still in Florence by then, some are already planning a "second New Year's Eve" celebration, champagne chilling and ready to be popped. This hefty sum, payable in a single lump sum, would allow any club to snatch the 2000-born striker without Fiorentina's opposition during this two-week window.

The situation

While the coming days will be frantic for the Viola faithful, Fiorentina approaches this period with a degree of optimism. Crucially, Moise Kean has never expressed a desire to leave Florence. Quite the opposite, the former Juventus player is reportedly very grateful to the club for his explosive season, which saw him net 25 goals, and he feels exceptionally comfortable in Florence. Those close to him suggest they haven't seen him this happy in a long time. These are the critical premises, yet his future remains a puzzle.

Intentions

One thing is clear: both parties intend to decide Moise's destiny within these two weeks while the clause is active. Hence the anticipation for the fateful July 16th in the city. Does this mean his stay is guaranteed after mid-month? Of course not, but the chances of him leaving after that date are significantly reduced. Kean, as expected, will listen to any proposals that arrive during this period.

Scenarios

Many clubs are interested in Moise Kean, which is hardly surprising given his talent. However, the specific conditions of his release clause severely narrow the field of credible suitors. It's unlikely that AC Milan, for instance, could immediately shell out £44 million. In Italy, perhaps only Napoli could afford the sum, but they are heavily focused on Romelu Lukaku. Kean himself thrives in an environment where he is an absolute protagonist. All signs point towards the Premier League. Manchester United and Arsenal have primarily targeted players like Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško, but they have made some timid exploratory inquiries about the Asti-born striker. These clubs offer significantly higher-profile stages than Fiorentina, yet concrete moves haven't materialized.

Then there's the allure of petrodollars from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Qadsiah reportedly offering an impressive £12.8 million (€15 million) per season in wages. However, the feeling is that such a contract can wait a few more years, as Kean is determined to play in the next World Cup. Florence waits, hopes, and keeps the champagne on ice for July 16th, which just might feel like New Year's Day for the city.